Growing Up in the Mountains: Family Firsts at Alpe d’Huez

Some childhood memories stay with us for a lifetime: the thrill of a very first slide, the pride of making those first turns on skis, the magic of a snow shelter carved into the mountain, or the wonder of standing face to face with towering glaciers. At Alpe d’Huez, every winter’s day is an opportunity to share a new adventure as a family.

For your next family ski holiday with children, discover 4 must-do experiences to help your little adventurers grow, explore and make memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Experience the Thrill of Your Very First Sled Ride

Espace Alpe d’Huez offers 6 safe sledging areas for all ages. For thrill-seekers, the most challenging run is located beneath the Pic Blanc gondola, with banked turns and dynamic bumps. For little ones, head to the dedicated areas at Rif Nel, Les Grenouilles and Alpette, or to the linked village resorts of Oz, Villard-Reculas and Auris-en-Oisans.

• Equipment tip: Sledges and helmets are available to hire from the resort’s ski shops.
• For extra adventure: Try a double sledge for a parent-and-child ride that puts your synchronisation and teamwork to the test!

2. Build Your Own Snow Igloo as a Family

Going from simply making a snowball to building a real Inuit-style shelter: what an exciting challenge for children! Guided by instructors from the École du Ski Français (ESF), young and old alike can learn the traditional techniques of igloo building. Learn how to cut compacted snow bricks or shape a sturdy dome before digging out your shelter.

• Suitable for: Children of all ages (an ideal family activity)
• Supervision: Qualified ESF Alpe d’Huez instructors

3. Learn to Ski in the Resort’s Fun Zones

Thanks to the wide green and blue runs at the lower end of the ski area, children can learn to ski with confidence while enjoying every step of their progress. This winter, the children’s favourite run is getting a makeover and a new name: Chez Marcel, with a new world inspired by the love story between Marcel and Juliette. New fun features add to this experience, which combines technique, immersion and accessibility for all. The adventure continues with Chez Roger, in the area of the same name, Jacques le Bûcheron in Auris-en-Oisans and Léo, on the route back to the resort. In Vaujany, a new themed run is also opening on the Dolines in the Montfrais sector. Inspired by the chamois, the emblem of Vaujany, it features interactive and immersive elements that encourage children to learn while having fun. Snow tunnels, banked turns, fun slaloms and colourful characters transform every descent into a real playground.

• For: Beginners, children, young skiers… and anyone looking for some fun on the slopes
• Access: Lower ski area and dedicated learning and fun zones

4. Explore the Magical World of the Ice Cave at 2,700 m

Accessible by the lifts at an altitude of 2,700 metres, the Alpe d’Huez Ice Cave opens the door to a magical underground world. Explore a 120-metre labyrinth of sculpted galleries and discover a temporary exhibition recreated every winter by around ten artists, using 10,000 m³ of snow.

• Winter 2027 theme: Japan
• Access: Cable car (accessible to both skiers and pedestrians)